Serving 422 students in grades Kindergarten-5, South Union Elementary School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Iowa for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 43% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 38% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 70%).
The student-teacher ratio of 12:1 is lower than the Iowa state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 77% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Iowa state average of 30% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: Kindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 422 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 77%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in IA
- Math Proficiency: 43% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 38% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 35-39% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: South Union Elementary School serves the south part of Des Moines, IA, covering an area of approximately 1.3 square miles. Most students live within a 5-10 minute drive, with the furthest distance to the school's edge being about 1.5 miles.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
School Overview
South Union Elementary School's student population of 422 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 34 teachers has declined by 15% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
422 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
34 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
School Calendar
School Rankings
South Union Elementary School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,223 schools in Iowa (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of South Union Elementary School is 0.77, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.48. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1187 out of 1223 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
43%
68%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
38%
70%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
35-39%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
14:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
American Indian
1%
n/a
Asian
10%
3%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
35%
14%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
Black
21%
7%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
White
23%
70%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
10%
5%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 16-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)43.8%
24.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
77%
35%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
8%
7%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is South Union Elementary School's ranking?
South Union Elementary School is ranked #1187 out of 1,223 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Iowa.
What schools are South Union Elementary School often compared to?
South Union Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Morris Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
43% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% IA state average), while 38% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 70% IA state average).
How many students attend South Union Elementary School?
422 students attend South Union Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
35% of South Union Elementary School students are Hispanic, 23% of students are White, 21% of students are Black, 10% of students are Asian, 10% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of South Union Elementary School?
South Union Elementary School has a student ration of 12:1, which is lower than the Iowa state average of 14:1.
What grades does South Union Elementary School offer ?
South Union Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is South Union Elementary School part of?
South Union Elementary School is part of Des Moines Independent Comm School District.
In what neighborhood is South Union Elementary School located?
South Union Elementary School is located in the Magnolia Park neighborhood of Des Moines, IA.
School Reviews
Review South Union Elementary School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
When a Public School Cancels a Course Your Child Needs
Learn what parents can do when public schools cancel essential courses, including protecting graduation credits, finding approved alternatives, requesting substitutions, and preventing disruptions to college or career plans before deadlines.
Verify School Assignment Before Buying a House
Before buying a house, learn how to verify your child's assigned public school, check conflicting property listings, confirm enrollment eligibility, and avoid costly school assignment surprises before closing on a property.
School Bus Commute Times: What Parents Should Know
Discover how long school bus commutes really take, why routes vary, and what parents should ask about pickup times, student fatigue, transportation reliability, and daily schedules before choosing schools.
